Allergic are a Los Angeles, CA based quartet who take elements of Incubus and Tool along with post hardcore in the vein of Pressure 4-5, roll them all up together into one collective entity, and explode into a charring haze of melodic new metal coated with prog rock tendencies.

Utilizing emphatic vocal melodies similar to Incubus frontman Brandon Boyd, crossed with the jagged delivery of Disturbed's David Draiman; band frontman Scot delivers an impressive performance that trudges through many a valley and peak and can at times even show a shade of Tool's Maynard James Keenan. On the other hand, the sonic portion of this disc comes layered with a wall of brooding, competent guitar riffs that also sound slightly reminiscent of Tool, causing the songs to feel gritty and confrontational, while also providing ample focus to progression and energy. Dense bass lines bring up the rear, paving a steady path that is traveled cautiously by well rounded percussion, which displays a wealth of restraint as cleverly timed beats help give the music an unsettling flair.

The groups musical approach is heavy, yet rife with melody and avoids the typical cliche's of today's modern metal bands, by focusing upon strong song writing and evolving momentum. Each track comes to fruition before the listeners ears, building up, blooming and finally beautifully decaying. This is an aspect of their sound that is unquestionably bolstered by the production, done by none other than Jim Wirt of Incubus and Hoobustank fame. Its crisp, yet organic and really helps to bring out the bands multiple facets with which they are able to express themselves. However, there are a few downsides present as well, one being the general mid-tempo flow of each track included, while the other being the groups tendency to wear their influences a little too prominently on their sleeves; something that will no doubt be adjusted accordingly as they come into their own.When it all comes down to it though, this demo is a solid affair and contains something that the music industry truly seems to be allergic to these days, depth, creativity and intelligence.